As the school year starts to wind down, here are some summer recommendations for our students.

Ticks

When spending time outdoors be sure to avoid tall grass and do daily tick checks on your child and yourself. If you find a tick on yourself or your child, call or message your doctor’s office. If your child has a fever, rash or is not feeling well, it is a good idea to be tested for a possible tick borne illness. My favorite doctor has a saying “There is no such thing as a summer flu.” We had a relatively warm winter so the ticks will be out and active.

https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/

https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/symptoms.html

https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_people.html

Physical Activity

According to the CDC, all children ages 6-17 need to be active for at least 60 minutes every day, children 3-5 will need to be active throughout the day. There are so many benefits to physical activity including brain health, improved academic performance, long term improvement in health, building strong muscles and bones, and maintaining a healthy weight to name a few. It is important for us as parents to model the importance of physical activity and participate in activities with our children. Encourage your child to go for a walk with you or take them to the playground.

https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/health-benefits-of-physical-activity-for-children.html

Sun Safety

Sunscreen is hugely important for the prevention of sun burns. As our weather warms up, please be sure to apply sun screen to your child when outside. Other options to prevent sun burns include wearing clothing that covers their skin, hats with brims to protect their face, ears, and back of their necks. Sunglasses to prevent damage to their eyes from sun exposure.

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm

Healthy Eating

Encourage healthy eating habits, focusing on eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low fat dairy and whole grains.

https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/children/index.html

Please be sure that your child is up to date on their immunizations and all new students need a recent physical exam to start school.

Meri Lepore

Nurse Nantucket Elementary School

leporem@npsk.org